In the early 1990s, a doctoral student developed one of the key indicators of sustainability: the ecological footprint. Footprints can be estimated for individuals and nations by quantifying the consumption and availability of natural resources.

Mathis Wackernagel, the man behind the footprint, will visit campus Oct. 17-21 as a Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of ’56 Professor. He is president of the Global Footprint Network, an international sustainability think tank.